Fans Call For Tighter Locker Room Security Following Widespread Theft
By: Kayla Moody
Updated: October 26, 2012
A week after thieves targeted South Spencer football players during a game, the players' family members are calling for tightened security. The incident happened last Friday in the visiting team locker room at Sullivan High School while the players were on the field.
Sullivan, Ind. police say iPads, iPods, smartphones, high end clothing, boots and cash were among the long list of items taken from the team. Nearly every player reported a belonging missing. Parents say one player lost nearly all of his clothing, and his teammates had to pitch in clothing just so he could be clothed on the trip home.
"It's really sad that it's came to that, that they can't even leave their clothes in the locker room," says Melavadene Below, whose grandson was among the many victims. "They shouldn't have to worry about that while they're playing ball."
Now some family members say it's time for all schools to keep a closer eye on locker rooms during games. When it comes to football, fans say the players should be worrying about sticky hands on the field rather than sticky fingers in the locker room.
Harold Goffinet's grandson, quarterback Cole Woodburn, also had several belongings stolen. "These kids, like my grandson, work during the summertime and buy their own stuff and valuables and personal things that they have with them and it's just not fair to them," says Goffinet. "I think that the schools need to have somebody that will make sure the locker rooms are locked up and periodically check them while the games are going on."
South Spencer athletic officials say a 500 dollar award will be given for information leading to the culprit or culprits behind the stolen property.
Sullivan, Ind. police say iPads, iPods, smartphones, high end clothing, boots and cash were among the long list of items taken from the team. Nearly every player reported a belonging missing. Parents say one player lost nearly all of his clothing, and his teammates had to pitch in clothing just so he could be clothed on the trip home.
"It's really sad that it's came to that, that they can't even leave their clothes in the locker room," says Melavadene Below, whose grandson was among the many victims. "They shouldn't have to worry about that while they're playing ball."
Now some family members say it's time for all schools to keep a closer eye on locker rooms during games. When it comes to football, fans say the players should be worrying about sticky hands on the field rather than sticky fingers in the locker room.
Harold Goffinet's grandson, quarterback Cole Woodburn, also had several belongings stolen. "These kids, like my grandson, work during the summertime and buy their own stuff and valuables and personal things that they have with them and it's just not fair to them," says Goffinet. "I think that the schools need to have somebody that will make sure the locker rooms are locked up and periodically check them while the games are going on."
South Spencer athletic officials say a 500 dollar award will be given for information leading to the culprit or culprits behind the stolen property.
